WA State DOL & Washington Department of Licensing
If you’re looking to accomplish any driving-related errand or task, the Washington state Department of Licensing (DOL) is the place to go. At the WA DOL, you can do everything and anything driving- and vehicle-related, from renewing your driver’s license to applying for a disabled parking placard. With such a varied list of services and resources, the WA DOL can be a confusing and often intimidating place. That’s why it’s best to go into a DOL location with some knowledge of what you want to accomplish.
Find a Local WA DOL Branch
Locating your nearest DOL office is simple – just head to the Washington DOL Locations page for crystal clear information about locations and their operating hours. It’s important to note that DOL offices are categorized into Driver Licensing Offices and Vehicle Licensing Offices, so depending on what services you need, you may need to visit separate branches. Each location listing offers specific details on its address, phone number, and services offered. Additionally, each one will list important notes in case they have last-minute developments or closures.
Scheduling an Appointment with the WA DOL
While it would be convenient to schedule an appointment ahead of time at a WA DOL location, unfortunately appointments are only available for those looking to take a driving test. Those are done not at DOL offices, but at testing locations throughout the state. That doesn’t mean you have to spend an entire day waiting at a busy DOL location, however; check the DOL website for services that can be done online.
Forms of the Washington DOL
Regardless of what you’re looking to accomplish at a WA DOL location, chances are good that you’ll be required to fill out a few forms. Paperwork makes the DOL function smoothly, and ensures that you’ll have a proper record of all the services you need. It’s a good idea to do your homework and find out what forms you’ll need beforehand, and even fill them out ahead of time. That will not only save your time, but it will also relieve any stress from the DOL employees assisting you with your needs as well. You can find a comprehensive list of all forms on the WA DOL website’s Forms page.
The Washington Point System
The state of Washington is different from many other states in that it doesn’t employ a traditional point system. Rather, it keeps drivers accountable by counting moving violations against their record and penalizing them for repeated traffic violations instead of accrued points. If you accumulate 6 moving violations in a 12-month period, you’ll be penalized with a 60-day suspension, with no probation beforehand. You can find more information on the DOL website.
Order a Washington Driving Record
The best way to stay on top of your driving status is to order your Washington driving record. It’ll give you an in-depth look at all your violations and how close you are to probation or license suspension. This may be the motivation you need to improve your driving skills and hit the road as a safer, more responsible driver.
